The Historical Red Fort of Delhi

Picture: collected

Emperor Shah Jahan built the most important monument in Delhi and named it 'Red Fort'. The Red Fort has 14 entrances. Construction of the monument began in 1638 and was completed in 1648. The name Red Fort, or Red Fort, comes from its vast red sandstone walls. The Prime Minister of India addressed the nation from Red Fort on Independence Day. From the history we know that "India gained independence from British rule on 15th August 1947". As a symbol of victory, the national flag of India was hoisted for the first time at the Red Fort on that day. Since then, every year since then, the flag hoisting ceremony has been held here on 15th August.

The Red Fort has two main entrances; Delhi Gate and Lahori Gate. Chandni Chowk in front of Lahori Gate is the most populous and diverse market in the city.The Red Fort building consists of the Red Fort and the Salimgarh Fort (built-in 1546). The fort houses the assembly hall of the Dewan-i-Am, or public assembly, where the emperor sat on a marble-adorned throne adorned with jewels and listened to the complaints of the common people. The assembly hall of the Dewan-I-Khas or private court is a place where the members of the private court had access. This hall was built of marble and its center was adorned with a peacock throne, which was inlaid with gems of immeasurable value like rubies and gems. Today, although Dewan-i-Khas is only a faint reflection of his original glory.

Due to air pollution the monument's color is fading. The interior buildings of the Red Fort are made of marble; All these buildings like Dewan-i-Khas, Rang mahal, etc. have started turning greenish and black due to the effect of air pollution. Archaeological excavations in India are working on the restoration of the Red Fort and the preservation of this historic site. The Rang Mahal, or "colorful palace," contains a stunning lotus-shaped fountain made of a single piece of marble. The emperor's wives and concubines lived here. The Naubat or Nakkar-khana ('drum-house') within the Red Fort is a place where music was performed on special occasions. It was also used for Dewan-i-Ame infiltration. It is a place where travelers would descend from their elephants.Hence, it is also known as 'Hatipul'.

Recently, the Indian Wire Memorial Museum is located on the top floor of Nakkar-Khana. Other attractions surrounding the monument include the Hammam or Royal Baths, the Royal Burj - which was used as Shahjahan's work area, and the Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque.Even today, the Red Fort is a decorative monument to the glory of the Mughal Empire. Diwan-i-Am There is a large open space outside Delegate. It was once used as the courtyard of the Diwan-i-Am. Here the emperor used to visit the people sitting on an ornate throne called Jharokha. These pillars were painted in gold and the common people were separated from the throne by gold and silver railings. The Diwan-i-Khas was a room completely covered in white stone. Its pillars were decorated with wreaths. Almost-precious metals were used for interior decoration Nahar-i-Behist Behind the throne were the emperor's rooms. These chambers were situated on a row of two chambers adjoining the east side of the fort. These rows were situated on two high altars and the rooms overlooked the river Jamuna.

The chambers were connected by an uninterrupted stream called Nahar-i-Behist (the stream of Paradise). This stream flowed along the middle of each room. This stream was fed by drawing water from the river Jamuna to a tower called Shahburj at the north-east corner of the fort. The palace was built in imitation of the paradise described in the Quran. Inside the palace, the words 'If there is a heaven anywhere on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here' were inscribed on the wall one after the other. Although built according to Islamic art, the influence of Hindu art can also be found in these rooms. The palace precinct is considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture. Moti Masjid To the west of the bath is the Moti Masjid. This mosque was built much later. It was built in 1759 by Shah Jahan's son Aurangzeb as a private mosque. It is a small, three-domed mosque. It is built entirely of white stone. Hyatt Box Bug To the north of the fort is a formal garden. Its name is Hyatt Box Bug or Life-Giving Garden. The park is divided into two intersecting streams.

The north-south stream has two chambers at either end. In 1742, the last emperor, Bahadur Shah Jafar, built the third chamber at the intersection of two streams in the park. The fort is currently hosting an exhibition of Mughal history in the evening through a light and sound show. There is also a museum in memory of the martyrs of India's freedom struggle. In addition to this museum, there is an archeological museum and an Indian War Memorial Museum. Delhi's Red Fort has become a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its excellent site planning, architecture, and historical significance. The best time to visit Red Fort Since the weather here is quite pleasant from October to March, this is the best time to visit the Red Fort. During the visit to the Red Fort, the fort is open every day of the week except Mondays from 9:30 in the morning to 4:30 p.m.

The Tourism and Development Corporation of India Limited conducts light and sound exhibition from February to April evenings to revive the innovations of the historical era. On weekdays, the ticket price for adults is - Rs 60 / - per head for adults in India and Rs 20 / - for children (ages 3 to 12). Ticket price on weekends and national holidays - Rs. 80 / - per head for adults and Rs. 30 / - for children.

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Writer: Samia Jahan 

(Information collected)